profile

WIA Profile: Debra Peterson

What is your role and responsibility at Fairvilla?

I am the director of marketing, which can mean different things depending on the day. Typically, I am responsible for implementing all the advertising (from budgeting to placement), event planning and oversight, acting as Fairvilla's spokesperson and assisting with the development of new promotional opportunities for the company.

the more I network and continue to educate myself, the more respect I gain

Describe a typical Monday at your desk.

After drinking the appropriate amount of caffeine, I try to ignore the blinking light on my phone and dive into my email. I also catch up on the company's MySpace, Facebook and my Twitter account. That can take me to lunch. I almost never schedule meetings on Mondays.

What is the biggest challenge of being a woman in adult entertainment?

I think the challenges I face are the ones faced by most working women. I find that the more I network and continue to educate myself, the more respect I gain in the business community. Actually, most people I meet are very interested in the work that I do so I tend to have a great time talking about it.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Fairvilla is like one big family. I love seeing others in our company succeed. We share in our victories and pull together to face problems. We've also played a positive role in the progression of retailing to adults. I think that's something our whole team is very proud of.

How do you maintain balance in your life?

I'll let you know when that happens! Maintaining balance is tough. I'm married and have two children. There are rarely enough hours in the day and I do take work home. That being said, I think you have to make time for yourself. I try to wake up early so I can get to the gym before work. That's where I can really prepare for my day. I also love to go camping, boating, hiking and just being outdoors.

Each month, industry news media organization XBIZ spotlights the career accomplishments and outstanding contributions of Women in Adult. WIA profiles offer an intimate look at the professional lives of the industry's most influential female executives.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

A Guide to Having a Successful Adult Retail Trade Show Experience

Pleasure industry trade shows offer a vital platform for showcasing the latest toys and other products, building connections with potential buyers and generating industry buzz. However, simply attending isn’t enough — you need a strategic plan to stand out from the crowd.

Vincent Renou ·
opinion

Pleasure Brand Marketing and PR Trends to Watch in 2025

From the lockdown boom to the economic pressures of a post-pandemic world, we have seen shifting technologies, evolving consumer expectations and a hunger for authenticity shape pleasure product marketing and public relations.

Scarlett Ward ·
profile

WIA: Jennifer Jolicoeur Reflects on Passionate Home Party Journey

Nearly 30 years ago, Jennifer Jolicoeur became the first adult toy party planner in Rhode Island. She gained experience with another company before launching Athena’s Home Novelties from her apartment in 1998, with the mantra “Educate. Empower. Entertain.”

Women In Adult ·
opinion

Tips for Embracing Diversity Through Language

We are all used to slang terms shifting from generation to generation, as words or phrases get co-opted and acquire new meanings. It is a much rarer occurrence when some of the most fundamental words in our language undergo a major transition in a short space of time, but that is exactly what is happening right now with pronouns.

Claire Sass ·
opinion

A Look at the Ethics, Risks of AI-Generated Sexual Wellness Content

Few technological advancements have inspired the level of controversy that has been generated by the advent of artificial intelligence, which is now powering or being incorporated into digital tools we use every day.

Anne Hodder-Shipp ·
opinion

How the 10-Minute Delivery Model Is Disrupting the Indian Market

In September, when the iPhone 16 was released, a person in India had the brand-new model delivered to him — while he was waiting in line at an Apple Store, before reaching the front for his turn. How? By ordering on Zepto, one of the leading “quick commerce” platforms that are changing how consumers shop in India.

Raj Armani ·
opinion

How to Keep Meta From Derailing Your Social Media Campaign

The heavy hand of Meta can be both unforgiving and unpredictable. Profiles that Meta decides have violated its platforms’ terms may find themselves on the receiving end of punishments — including the dreaded “shadow ban,” which can be damaging for a brand’s social media campaign and strategy.

Scarlett Ward ·
trends

Pleasure Biz Mainstays Reflect on Decades-Long Careers, Share Advice for Up-and-Comers

“If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” That saying definitely holds true in the pleasure industry, where many executives build careers that exceed a quarter century.

profile

WIA Profile: Melissa Fite

Though she works behind the scenes, Melissa Fite has a bird’s-eye view of the pleasure products industry. As the marketing coordinator and junior graphic designer at XR Brands, Fite gets an intriguing overview of the latest consumer trends, plus an exciting sneak peek at XR’s newest sex toys before they hit the shelves.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Distribuciones-BES Spreads Pleasure Brands' Reach Across Mexico

It’s time to brush up on your Spanish, sex toy manufacturers. The Mexican market is thriving, and the country’s distribution and retail businesses are eager to forge new connections with brands from around the world.

Colleen Godin ·
Show More